Sacraments (or Mysteries) are holy actions
of the Church by which spiritual life is imparted to those receiving them.
Ordination, which means "to set in place" or "to select by the
outreached hand," is one of several Orthodox sacraments. It is extended
specifically to bishops, presbyters (priests) and deacons, and generally
to all through Holy Baptism.
Bishops In His ministry Christ ordained
or "set in place" the Twelve, assuring them, "You did not choose
Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit,
and that your fruit should remain" (John 15:16).
Both the New Testament and the Church
Fathers recognise the Twelve as the first bishops or overseers in the Church.
When Judas had fallen away and the disciples were considering his successor,
Peter said, "Let another take his office" (Gr. Episkopen, lit. "Bishopric";
Acts
1:20). This bishopric was given to Matthias (Acts
1:26).
The apostles - these first bishops
- in turn ordained presbyters and deacons.
Deacons The account of the first ordination
of deacons (Acts 6:1-6) is quite detailed.
"Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy
Spirit and wisdom, "the apostles said, "whom we may appoint [Gr. Kathistemi,
"to set down" or "ordain"]
over this business" (Acts 6:3). The manner
of this appointment is clear: "They laid hands on them" (Acts
6:6). The ordination of deacons in the Orthodox Church takes place
in the same manner today, through the laying on of hands by the bishop.
Spiritual
Fathers One should not interfere in the
business of those in authority and judge it; by this means one offends
the majesty of God, from Whom authorities obtain their position. For there
is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed
by God (Romans 13:1).
One should not oppose authorities
who act for good, so as not to sin before God and be subjected to His just
chastisement: Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance
of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves (Romans
13:2).
One must be in obedience to a superior:
for through this he who is obedient prospers mightily in the formation
of his soul; and in addition he obtains by this means an understanding
of things and comes to heartfelt contrition. St.
Seraphim of Sarov
Let every abbot become and remain
always in his relation to those subject to him as a wise mother. A mother
who loves her children lives not to satisfy herself, but to satisfy her
children. The infirmities of her children she bears with love; those who
have fallen into filth she cleans, washes them calmly, clothes them in
new white garments, puts their shoes on, warms them, looks after them,
comforts them and from all sides strives to pacify their spirits so that
she never hears the slightest cry from them; and such children are well
disposed to their mother. Thus should every abbot live not to satisfy himself,
but to satisfy those subject to him - he should be condescending to their
weaknesses; bear with love the infirmities of the infirm; heal their sinful
diseases with the plaster of mercifulness; raise with kindness those who
have fallen into transgressions; quietly cleanse those who have become
sullied with the filth of some vice and wash them by placing upon them
fasting and prayer above the ordinary amount which is set forth for all;
clothe them, by instruction and by one's own exemplary life, in garments
of virtues; keep constant watch over them, by every means comfort them,
and from all sides defend their peace and repose to such an extent that
the slightest cry or murmuring will never be heard from them; and then
they will zealously strive to procure for the abbot peace and repose. St.
Seraphim of Sarov
A man who believes that his life
and death are in the hands of his shepherd will never argue. Argument is
born of ignorance of this fact, which causes eternal spiritual death.
St. Symeon
the New Theologian
The spiritual father is charismatic
and the living icon of Christ; he is himself Christ.
St. Symeon
the New Theologian
